More people were allowing their dogs off leads in the countryside last year than in 2022 (Image: Pixabay)
Dog attacks on livestock in the Midlands rose by nearly 6 per cent last year, costing an estimated £331,000, according to figures from NFU Mutual.
A survey of more than 1,100 dog owners revealed more people were allowing their dogs off leads in the countryside last year than in 2022.
Less than half said their pets always came back when called.
Hannah Binns, rural affairs specialist at NFU Mutual, said: "The increasingly high cost of dog attacks on livestock in the Midlands is incredibly alarming news for farmers, especially as the 2024 lambing season gets underway and pregnant ewes and newborn lambs are vulnerable."
The company called for dog owners to keep their pets on leads near livestock and to report any attacks.
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